Abstract : Well-built conventional wood-frame construction performed exceptionally well in Hurricane Camille, except when subjected to severe wave action. Wood-frame homes, in particular, exhibited remarkable resistance to the high winds. Apparently conventional construction whose components are well attached to each other is adequate to resist the wind forces in hurricane zones. However, conventional construction of any type on solid foundations is not adequate to resist the severe tide and wave actions along coastlines during hurricanes. Much of the damage to the coastal buildings done by Hurricane Camille would probably have been avoided if high pier-type foundations had been used to reduce the force of water directly on the buildings. This type of foundation would also have greatly reduced property damage from flooding further inland. (Author)